Leading security and travel risk management firm releases survey of security and human resources professionals that demonstrates heightened concerns about security threats among major U.S. companies

(McLean, VA) October 24, 2022 – Global Guardian, the leading provider of international medical and security services for corporate and family travelers, announced today the findings of its 2022 Global Safety and Security Study. The results reveal that major U.S. companies believe the threats against them and their employees have intensified in recent years. The survey of 250 senior-level security and human resources professionals at the U.S.’ 1,000 largest companies indicates that companies and organizations face growing threats related to security, safety, and travel.

Hurricane Ian: Four questions business leaders must answer

“Internationally, do you want to deal with typhoons in the Philippines? Do you want to deal with the potential flooding in Thailand? These things now matter with the pace and strength of these disruptions.”

As natural disasters continue to impact business operations in the U.S. and globally, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner offered advice to Business Insurance America for corporate leaders to consider in preparing for an emergency and building effective response plans.

The global economy is entering what—for many—could be a substantial recessionary period.

Data Breach Threat Grows for Hotel Companies as Cyberattacks Evolve

“If you don’t issue a company phone that has an encrypted end-to-end VPN on it where everything is encrypted and protected, or you have employees bringing their own device, it’s wide open. These are all ways into your company. You are completely exposed.”

As reported in a recent CoStar article, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses the growing threat of data breaches within the hospitality industry and how to best shore up cybersecurity defenses down to the end user during the Hospitality Law Conference in Washington, DC.

WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES TO VISIT REVEALED

A recent article on The Independent features Global Guardian's interactive 2023 Risk Assessment Map, highlighting risk ratings by country and geopolitical risk zones around the world. The article notes the risk ratings for popular holiday destinations—including some of the safest countries to visit—and puts a spotlight on "extreme risk" regions and why they have been given that rating.

CONTROL OVER FENTANYL TRAFFICKING SPIKING VIOLENCE IN MEXICO

“That’s why you’re seeing a lot of violence lately in the Western half of Mexico, because these two cartels are accommodating in this trade, fighting with each other. And then you have factions fighting with each other. Sinaloa has rival factions and they’re (also) fighting with police,” Ballard said.

In this article, Julian Resendiz from the Border Report talks to Global Guardian's Director of Intelligence Michael Ballard about Global Guardian's 2023 Risk Map and the drug war happening in Mexico.

WITH GLOBAL RISK RISING FOR TRAVELERS, IT HELPS TO BE PARANOID

"Risk maps are something COOs and security leaders in Fortune 500 need to look at. It’s not paranoid to say we’re decoupling from China. From Russia. We’re looking at possible geopolitical decoupling. Previously looking at risk was a linear model based on crime, kidnap and ransom, etc."

In this article, Michael Goldstein from Forbes talks to CEO Dale Buckner about Global Guardian's 2023 Risk Map and the new world of global risk for travelers. Dale also discusses Global Guardian's business model —and how the firm supports clients across the world, including evacuating thousands of clients out of Ukraine and supporting on-the-ground emergency response during Hurricane Ian in Florida. 

The following analysis is part of Global Guardian's 2023 Risk Assessment Map. To explore and download the map, click here.

IMPACT

While there are current humanitarian and health impacts resulting from the violence in eastern Congo, an expansion of the conflict could disrupt the global supplies of cobalt and coltan which are vital for battery production. There are over 5.5 million internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with an additional 160,000 new refugees since June 2022. Further destabilization could also lead to severe disease outbreaks, including Ebola.

The following analysis is part of Global Guardian's 2023 Risk Assessment Map. To explore and download the map, click here.

IMPACT

A hot conflict between Iran and its proxies and Israel and/or the United States (U.S.) would have profound macroeconomic effects. Iran has already demonstrated its willingness and capacity to strike Saudi oil production and disrupt maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz – where 30 percent of both global crude and LNG pass through – and the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, the world’s fourth busiest waterway that connects Europe to Asia. With proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and Yemen, a hot conflict with Iran over its nuclear program could prompt a regional conflagration.

The following analysis is part of Global Guardian's 2023 Risk Assessment Map. To explore and download the map, click here.

IMPACT

The drug war in Mexico is one of the most violent conflicts on the planet with cartel activity permeating through many levels of the Mexican economy and society. Cartel conflicts continue to drive violence across Mexico, including tourist areas previously less affected, such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Inter-cartel violence can impact and disrupt travel, worksites, and supply chains.